"Mr. York, Mr. York."


    Maddox reminded himself that he was Romina''s date tonight. Seeing her losing ground to River, he called out to River twice.


    River turned toward Maddox. The smile vanished from his handsome face in an instant.


    His gaze sharpened, eyes turning cold like Maddox was his sworn enemy. He stared without saying a word.


    They were about the same age, and Maddox had been in the business world for years, groomed from childhood as a sessor. He''d faced all kinds of storms. But being stared at like that by River sent a chill down his spine.


    River wasn''t someone to mess with.


    This outsider-whose background few knew-always exuded a noble,manding presence. Even when alone, he gave off the feeling of a general leading thousands.


    "Mr. Johnstone, is it? Are we close?" River finally spoke, his cold tone easing a bit.


    Maddox responded calmly, "We''re not close, Mr. York. But the woman you''re pestering right now is my date tonight. Romina and I came together. Please don''t make her ufortable. We still need to go inside and greet Mr. Lacroix."


    In his heart, Maddox wasining. The look River gave him just now—it was like he saw him as a romantic rival.


    Could it be that River actually had feelings for Romina?


    "Your date?" River raised a brow. "Doesn''t Mr. Johnstone already have a


    girlfriend? So why didn''t you bring her tonight? Or are you juggling two women-


    charming one while stringing along the other?"


    River turned to Romina with a smirk. "Romina, your taste in men is seriouslycking. You fall for someone who''s two-timing? Be careful not to get hurt."


    Romina instinctively looked at Maddox.


    When she asked him to dinner, she''d asked clearly if he was seeing anyone. She said if he was single, they could give it another shot-see if there were any sparks.


    Maddox had assured her he wasn''t in a rtionship.


    Maddox quickly exined, "Romina, I don''t have a girlfriend. I don''t know who told Mr. York that. Have you ever seen me with anyone else?" River said tly, "I saw it yesterday. You were hugging a woman-she was dressed sexy. The two of you looked pretty cozy."


    Maddox: "Yesterday? Oh-Mr. York, you''ve got it all wrong. That was my cousin. We grew up together and are really close. She''s a model-great looks, amazing figure. Sure, her clothes can look a little revealing to outsiders, but she''s family." River replied, "Oh, your cousin? You two were so affectionate, I assumed she was your girlfriend. Guess I misunderstood. Sorry about that—I thought you were cheating and wanted to give Romina a heads-up. Even though Romina and I don''t get along, I still hope she ends up with a good guy."


    Then he turned to Romina and said, "Romina, let''s go. I also need to greet Mr. Lacroix. Let''s head in together."


    He reached out his hand like a gentleman.


    "What?" Romina raised an eyebrow.


    "You''re wearing heels," River said smoothly. "I figured you might have trouble


    walking, so I offered my hand. If you trip, I can help.”


    Romina rejected him instantly. "River, I wouldn''t dare take your hand. You''d


    probably use me of taking advantage of you again and demand I take responsibility. I''m not ready to carry that burden."